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'What did we learn less then if we won the game? Absolutely f*** all'
By Rugby365
South Africa’s Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has given his view of the just-completed two-one series win over Wales.
Erasmus, who is still being banned from being involved in any matchday activities, addressed the team and defended the decision to make 14 changes between the first and second Tests.
Some had criticised the selection and subsequent loss, with Jake White writing in his new RugbyPass column that he felt the Springboks needed to win the game and that being head coach of the Springboks was not a role in which to be learning lessons.
Schalk Burger Senior also criticised the Springboks following the loss, which Erasmus replied to last week.
Now, in a thought-provoking video posted on Twitter, taken from a team talk after the second Test, Erasmus explained why the side learned plenty about their players - win or lose.
"First game well done. Second game well done," said Erasmus.
"That last one, I think it was a penalty to us. We kick it over and everybody would say 'listen, we made 14 changes, we learned a lot'... what did we learn less than if we would have won the game? Absolutely f*** all.
"So, losing by one point with a totally [different] team has given us a lot of answers."
It also admitted that he currently weighs 123kg and is aiming to get down to 110kg, although he admits he's done 'f*** all about it'.
In a separate Tweet the maverick rugby thinker wrote: “It hurts so bad when losing a Test, but what we learned about the players and their character under trying circumstances with a little over a year to the World Cup was invaluable,” the SARU boss said.
“It’s never fun getting a loss next to your team in a Test match. It’s really not lekka!”
He also had a message to the fans, thanking them for their support.
“We certainly take note of your opinions,” he said to the fans.
“We definitely make mistakes and sometimes upset you with our plans and decisions, obviously that’s not because we want to but simply because we think that’s the best for South Africa.
“Fact = we [are] nothing without you guys!!!”
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Hard to disagree with the 5 points - with the exception that Wilson should be a squad member but, depending on the other loose forward selections, is not yet a shoo-in. McReight is. Aussie is looking a lot better this year and JS has some selection options. Also, Havili’s tendency to get caught, charged down is also a liability at times but he seemed focused (mostly) and is definitely a consideration for utility back-up. Still feel Reihana is a better prospect at 1st five for Saders.
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
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